Taking place at Hawsworth Hall at the STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway in Swindon, the breakfast event featured updates from Thrings partner and event host, Kerrie Hunt, on a range of employment-related issues affecting businesses in Wiltshire.
Kerrie, who is head of employment at Thrings, discussed what July’s abolition of employment tribunal fees means for businesses in the region, as well as explaining how the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – which comes into force on 25 May 2018 – will affect the way in which employers obtain, retain and use information about their staff.
Joining Kerrie on the speakers’ dais was associate solicitor Carey Cooper, who spoke about employers and employees’ rights – including customs and practices, redundancy, and dismissal and unfair dismissal – in the context of workplace relocation.
A specialist in employment tribunal litigation, redundancy and employment contracts, Carey also advised guests on managing workplace romances, offering guidance on how to avoid arguments around favouritism, unwanted advances, abuse of power and potential claims of harassment and sex discrimination.
Kerrie Hunt said: “The CIPD offers fantastic resources for its members, and in Swindon and North Wiltshire there is a very active branch led by volunteers who organise a variety of seminars and events.
“Thrings is proud to be continuing with its support for the CIPD. Our employment experts always enjoy a lively debate with CIPD audiences, who generally keep the team on its toes with probing questions.”
Charlotte Mannion, branch chair of the Swindon and North Wiltshire CIPD, added: “The Swindon and North Wiltshire CIPD is absolutely delighted to have partnered with Thrings at such a fabulous venue. It is always a tremendous opportunity for our members to benefit from the current legal updates which are so important to their profession.
“We are also very pleased to have welcomed and accommodated so many students at the event. The CIPD currently supports 17,000 student members, and we hope much of the information that Kerrie and Carey shared will help these aspiring future professionals in their learning and development.”
The CIPD is the professional body for HR and people development, and currently represents the views of approximately 145,000 members around the world. Thrings continues to enjoy a long-term relationship with the CIPD, and for the past three years has sponsored its annual West of England branch conference.
